The math makes this a potential deciding game for who wins the NFC South, despite neither the Saints nor the Falcons being in contention.

The Cowboys vs Giants face off this week in a classic divisional bout. Both teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but will certainly still fight to defeat their bitter rivals in Week 18.

The Packers and Vikings face off this week in an NFC North rivalry bout. Green Bay is expected to rest their starters for this game, having already been locked into the #7 seed in the NFC playoffs.

The Seahawks are recognized as having one of the biggest home-field advantages in the NFL. This goes back to the days of Pete Carroll, Marshawn Lynch, Richard Sherman, Russell Wilson, and a Super Bowl win. But for a catastrophic mistake at the goal line, they would have taken a second straight title.

First and foremost, this is not a win-and-in scenario.

The Browns and Bengals meet this week in an AFC North battle. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, but Myles Garrett will aim for the NFL sack record, giving this game intrigue.

It's impossible to know if the Raiders needed to shut down star DE Maxx Crosby or if they did it as part of their plan to lose out and get the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Crosby is battered and has been playing with a knee injury. They also shut down star tight end Brock Bowers and safety Jeremy Chinn.

The Steelers are a full two games ahead of the Ravens. But that's only part of the story. Baltimore has a tough Saturday night test in Green Bay with the Packers needing to win the game for a chance to win the NFC North.

Philadelphia has won 2 straight after having lost 3 straight. The victories by a combined score of 60-18 over the Raiders and Commanders quelled the rising panic that the Eagles were about to experience their second late-season collapse in three years.

It's the convoluted time of year in the NFL where math becomes about as important as reading defenses and the injury report. For the Patriots, the Bills' comeback win in Week 15 took destiny out of their hands. Still, they are reasonably assured of winning the AFC East and have a good chance of taking the #1 seed in the AFC. After the Jets, they host the Dolphins, who are also checked out.

After a 6-2 start and MVP talk for QB Baker Mayfield, injuries and regression led to 6 losses in 7 games. They have fallen out of 1st place, now behind the upstart Panthers, having lost to Carolina in Week 16.

The Jaguars are on the verge of a complete turnaround from a 4-13 season in 2024 to the AFC South title. They will win the division this weekend if the Texans lose to the Chargers and they beat the Colts.